Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles, Great Prince Vladimir (in Baptism Basil), Enlightener of Russia

Vladimir (c. 958–1015) was the grandson of Olga and the son of Svyatoslav. He became prince of Novgorod and then of Kiev, where he first set up a pagan sanctuary with a statue of Perun. According to the Primary Chronicle, he considered the religions of neighbouring peoples and, c. 988, accepted baptism from Byzantium, taking the name Basil, and married the Byzantine princess Anna. He then ordered the people of Kiev to be baptized in the Dnieper, and had the idols thrown down.

He built churches, founded schools, and tied Rus’ to the Byzantine Church. He died on 15 July 1015 at Berestovo near Kiev. The Church calls him “equal to the apostles”.